EASTENDERS viewers were left GOBSMACKED after Steven Beale told a 'sickening' lie and pretended he was dying from a brain tumour to keep his girlfriend Lauren Branning.

On the dramatic episode of EastEnders, Lauren Branning – played by Jacqueline Jossa – tried to secretly leave Albert Square and controlling boyfriend Steven Beale – played by Aaron Sidwell – by moving to New Zealand.

However, her plan was thrown into chaos as Steven showed up just as she was about to get into a taxi to the airport.

But it wasn't long until Lauren started having doubts about her move and she decided to meet up with her handsome boss Josh – who she has developed strong feelings for.

Meanwhile, the character's manipulative sister Abi Branning – played by Lorna Fitzgerald – was ecstatic over her sibling's plans to leave and couldn't wait to break the news to a devastated Steven who muttered: "I’ve lost my family, everything."